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F.A.Q.
(frequently asked questions)

Q: Where did you get your solar coffee roasters?

A: All of our solar roasters were designed and built from scratch by owner/inventor David Hartkop.

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Q: Can I buy a solar roaster for myself or my business?

A: Solar Roast Coffee LLC. currently does not produce solar equipment for sale, just coffee! Sale of solar technologies is, however, on the horizon. If you or your company wishes to hire Solar Roast Coffee to design or consult for your solar project, contact David Hartkop at dave@solarroast.com.

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Q: How long does it take to solar roast your coffee beans?

A: It takes between 15 and 25 minutes per batch in our Helios 4 roaster. This compares well to the 12-18 minutes per batch of most standard commercial roasters.

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Q: How hot does your solar roaster get?

A: We roast coffee in our roaster at temperatures between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit (230-260 Celsius). This is the same temperature range as coffee roasting with standard roasters.

Q: Does Solar Roasted coffee taste different from other coffees?

A: Yes, but not only because it is roasted using solar energy! Our roasters are also designed to hold in the steam and hot gasses from coffee beans as they roast. Because of this aroma roasting, the beans retain a richer flavor and are not overly dried during the roasting process. This makes for a smooth rich flavor, without any burned bitterness.

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Q: How does your solar roaster follow the sun?

A: The large mirror array of the Helios 4 solar concentrator is set up on a motorized rotating platform, which can follow the sun from east to west during the day. Additionally, the array is fitted with a winch system that can tip the entire array up (like a large easel) to follow the sun vertically as it rises in the morning and sets in the evening. The motors are powered by solar panels and are currently controlled manually, using video-solar-tracking scope built into the system. The tracking system is our summer project!

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Q: How can I try Solar Roast Coffee?

A: You can purchase Solar Roast Coffee from this website! Simply select your choice of coffee at the following menu page: Buy Solar Roast Coffee

Additionally if you wish to make a wholesale purchase, simply go to our wholesale department by clicking here.

The Solar Roast Story

Carbon Neutral Coffee Roasting

Roaster Pictures

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